Paulette Elbers

Life's WORC

Life's WORC is an approved New York State 501(c) 3 organization that supports individuals with developmental disabilities. The agency was founded in 1971 by Vicki Schneps, the mother of a former Willowbrook State institution resident. Together with Geraldo Rivera, the reporter who first uncovered the state institution's deplorable conditions, they established an organization dedicated to ensuring that those with developmental disabilities and autism are afforded opportunities to live life to the fullest. At present we offer comprehensive services to over 1500 individuals and families in Queens, Nassau and Suffolk counties and provide supportive homes to over 250 people. Additional programs for both families and individuals include at home supports, skills development and behavioral intervention, social recreational programs and vocational training opportunities. We also offer collaborative school linkage programs with Long Island school districts supporting individuals and families in need of applied behavior analysis interventions. Coordinated and focused through our unique Person-Centered Planning approach, all our services are provided with one goal in mind: To enable the individual to achieve their personal best, no matter what their abilities or challenges. While how we achieve these goals may change, Life's WORC remains a values-based organization that is deeply rooted in our humble beginnings.